MAGNOLIA, Texas – The Magnolia city secretary who accused former Mayor Matthew Dantzer of assaulting her while she was pregnant has resigned, saying the environment inside City Hall became too uncomfortable to bear.
Christian Gable confirmed to KPRC 2 News Reporter Corley Peel that she resigned on July 19 after five years working for the city.
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“The push for me to leave was the lingering uncomfortableness inside City Hall with all the people who did nothing to support me,” Gable said. “The elephant in the room was too big for me to be in,” said Gable.
Gable’s resignation comes months after she filed a complaint alleging that Dantzer sexually harassed her and grabbed her by the throat while she was five months pregnant during a work conference in Fort Worth in October 2025. Her allegations set off a chain of events that led to a Texas Rangers investigation, Dantzer’s arrest and multiple federal lawsuits.
Dantzer’s legal troubles
Dantzer’s term as mayor ended in May. He is still facing criminal charges including, felony assault on a pregnant person and official oppression. Those chargers were filed in Tarrant County. He also faces three separate federal lawsuits.
Through his attorney, Douglas W. Atkinson, Dantzer has denied all allegations right after his arrest.
“We on behalf of Matthew Dantzer categorically deny the allegations. Mr. Dantzer maintains his innocence and looks forward to the opportunity to defend himself in the appropriate legal process. Mr. Dantzer remains dedicated to faithfully serving the citizens of the City of Magnolia. We respectfully ask for privacy and patience as this matter proceeds,” the statement reads.
What led to the resignation
Gable’s complaint against Dantzer triggered the Texas Rangers investigation that ultimately led to his arrest. Before that, the city conducted its own internal investigation , which closed with little explanation. KPRC 2 News requested the investigative report but received a letter showing the city attorney asked the Texas Attorney General to withhold it under attorney-client privilege.
Gable filed a federal lawsuit against Dantzer and the city accusing them of failing to properly investigate her assault claims and allowing retaliation against her. She says her constitutional rights were violated and is seeking damages.
A second federal lawsuit was filed by the city’s former Human Resources Director, who says she was pushed out of her job after speaking up about the alleged assault involving Gable. A third federal lawsuit is also active in connection with the case.
Gable previously asked the city council to allow her to work remotely until Dantzer’s term ended — a request that was denied. She says the decision to leave ultimately came down to the environment inside City Hall.
The council’s previous response to Dantzer’s allegations
At a Magnolia City Council meeting in April, Mayor Pro Tem Jack Huitt publicly called for Dantzer’s resignation and acknowledged his arrest.
“I have previously spoken to the mayor to resign on several occasions, and I will do so again when I’m able to speak to him,” Huitt said.
Huitt also explained that a resident can file a court petition to remove a mayor for reasons such as misconduct or incompetence, and that a conviction would result in immediate removal from office.
When KPRC 2 News reporter Corley Peel reached Dantzer by phone, he said: “I’m not a Texas Ranger, you’ll have to talk to them or Leonard Schneider,” before ending the call.